Figure - Tempietto Giainista - Silver, Bronze, Copper

Rare Jainist altar, refined alloy of bronze in a lost-wax casting finished by chasing, with inlays in silver and copper. The Jain image cult is of a meditative nature, emphasizing the importance of austere and rigorous practices. Forms and dimensions are prescribed for every deity, and all parts and attributes such as body position, emblems and ornaments, and accompanying minor deities have meaning. At the center the Jina sits on a cushion in the lotus position with the hands in Dhyana Mudra (right hand inside the left hand in the lap, palms facing up), indicating a state of deep meditation, surmounted by an umbrella. To the left and right there are two Tirthankaras and two standing attendants, above two seated Tirthankaras and two elephants, symbols of strength. Other minor deities and attendants and Tirthankaras surround the Jina; the cushion rests on two rampant lions. The eyes and the mystic flower on the chest are in silver, and some small lozenges on the cushion and at the sides are in silver and copper. Inscribed and dated on the back Vikram Samvat 1536, a dating that in our calendar corresponds to the year 1480. Good condition, very good for an object of this age. Beautiful patina, polished and worn from devotional use, traces of ritual pigment. Height cm 17.5, weight g 640. Gujarat, India XV century. Spedizione assicurata

Estimate:$1,568.32

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